Hi, I'm going to buy a used car within a month and I'm considering a used 02' s2k or a 95' e36 M3. 26k is my budget for this car. I really want the m3 for the luxury, but I'm worried about the problems I can face with it begin much older. I can find some M3's around for about 22k and I would spend the rest on maintenance and fixing whatever needs to be fixed/changed. Initial costs for the M3 will be much higher that the S2k and I don't really want to spend much on that. So I can use that money for mods. I will be supercharging this car once I get enough money for one. Ayone know which car will be quicker? a a SC'd m3 or a SC'd s2k? Please help me out. Thanks in advanced.

 

4 door m3, go for it, anything else, s2000

 

I owned a '95 M3 and went to the S2k. The M3 became a maintenance nightmare once it was out of warranty. Performance-wise it was a great car, but I will never own another BMW that does not have warranty for the entire time I own the car.

As far as modding is concerned, the M3 will be hard to beat. Doing the Conforti cam kit (Schrick cams, HFM, injectors, chip, cai) will give you 300hp in NA form. Then consider an SC or AA turbo kit.

If you are going to do your own work on the car, then the M3 should be fine...there are many little areas that need upgrading to make the cars last however. But, I think you can find '95 M3s for under $20k pretty easily.

If you are wanting reliability out of the box, then go with the S2k and forget the SC unless you want to upgrade the diff, and half-shafts to handle the increased power.

 

you say you want an M3 for the luxury, but a 2002 S2000 is likely to be much nicer inside than a 95 M3. I've also had both cars and they're both a blast to drive. It really depends on whether you'd rather have a convertible or a back seat. Also the 6-speed in the S2000 is nice compared to only 5 in the M3. If you don't care about either of those things then i'd go with the S2000 simply for the warranty.

-Steve

 

Um, you can get a 98 M3 for $26k.. For $22k you can find a low miles 96-97 M3. As far as comparision, I haven't owned an S2000, but I've driven one. The S is much more visceral in feel, while the M is all about luxury performance. If you need or want the convenience of 4 seats and a trunk, the M3 is probably the best choice, hands down... But. If I had to choose either one without considering practicality, it would be the S...

 

hehe. M3 all the way. just see my sig.

anyway, E36 is a pretty reliable car. I had 3 so far, and none of them have any problem (not even minor one) after warrenty. E36 are generally very easy to modify and easy to maintain, if you can do it yourself.

Let me tell you, I can change engine oil in 20 minutes without jacking the car up. Try doing that in S2000!!! There are lots of suspension parts you can buy and a lot more sources to buy parts as well.

Good luck.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by cravnpup
[B]Um, you can get a 98 M3 for $26k..

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Stealthy_S2K
[B]

 

The reason I want a 95' M3 is because it has the OBDI system that reponds much better to mods. Thanks a lot guys. This is going to be a realy tough decision. Stealthy_s2k I wish i could have a e46 m3 like u.. those cars are great.

 

While this is true to some degree, I'd rather have a newer, more reliable car with some added torque for around town...

What a lot of people fail to realize is that OBD1 cars are only at an advantage when it comes to simple bolt on's (up to 270 hp)... After that it all goes out the window. Even still the OBD2 cars can be safely modded to produce upwards of 320hp N/A and over 400hp FI.. Yes it will take a few extra $$$ to get there, but that money will easily be made back in the reduced maintenance costs of the newer models...